Manufacturers of cans for beverages and foods and some of their biggest customers, including Coca-Cola, are trying to devise PR and lobbying strategies to block government bans of bisphenol A (BPA), a controversial chemical used in the linings of metal cans and lids.
According to internal notes of a private meeting, frustrated industry executives spent hours trying to figure out how to reduce public concerns over the chemical. The notes said the executives are particularly concerned about the views of young mothers, who often make purchasing decisions for households and who are most likely to be focused on health concerns.
Those at the meeting proposed that "a balance of legislative and grassroots outreach is imperative to the stability of their industry; however, the association members continue to struggle to initiate research and develop a clear-cut plan to defend their industry," according to the writings of one unidentified participant.
Industry representatives weighed a range of ideas, including "using fear tactics, e.g. ‘Do you want to have access to baby food anymore?’" The attendees estimated it would cost $500,000 to craft a message for a public relations campaign, according to the notes. "Their 'holy grail' spokesperson would be a 'pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA,'" the notes said.